Andrew Ridgeley

Early Life

Andrew John Ridgeley was born in 1963 in Windlesham, Surrey, to Jennifer Jill and Alberto Mario Zacharia, who later adopted the surname Ridgeley. His diverse heritage includes English, Scottish, Italian, Yemeni, and Egyptian roots. Raised in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Ridgeley attended Bushey Meads School and took a special interest in music from a young age. He became friends with George Michael, volunteering to mentor him when they started school together.

Career

Ridgeley's musical journey began after the dissolution of the short-lived group The Executive, where he, his brother Paul, and George Michael were members. In 1981, he and Michael formed the iconic duo Wham!, with Ridgeley contributing as a co-writer, guitarist, and backing vocalist. Their debut album, "Fantastic," topped the UK charts, leading to a string of hits, including the chart-topping singles from their second album, "Make It Big." Wham! became one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s, selling over 30 million records worldwide. Ridgeley underwent surgery in 1984 to correct a long-standing nasal issue, which garnered media attention due to a fabricated story about an injury.

Charitable Work

Beyond music, Ridgeley is known for his charitable efforts, particularly his participation in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, which supports young people through rugby. He is an avid cyclist and has been involved in various charitable activities, including receiving the Anglo-American Cultural Award from the St. George's Society of New York in 2024.

Personal Life

Ridgeley was in a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward of Bananarama from 1990 to 2017, living in a historic property in Cornwall. He later dated socialite Amanda Cronin in 2022, but they separated in May 2023. A supporter of Queens Park Rangers, Ridgeley continues to engage with his passions both in music and cycling.